This book explains how it came to be that Venus and Earth, while very similar in chemical composition, zonation, size and heliocentric distance from the Sun, are very different in surface environmental conditions. It is argued here that these differences can be accounted for by planetoid capture processes and the subsequent evolution of the planet-satellite system. Venus captured a one-half moon-mass planetoid early in its history in the retrograde direction and underwent its “fatal attraction scenario” with its satellite (Adonis). Earth, on the other hand, captured a moon-mass planetoid (Luna) early in its history in prograde orbit and underwent a benign estrangement scenario with its captured satellite.

This book presents 41 selected articles written by leading researchers from the Vernadsky Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry, part of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The articles are grouped by the following topics: (1) Geochemistry, (2) Meteoritics, Cosmochemistry, Lunar and Planetary Sciences, (3) Biogeochemistry and Ecology, and (4) Analytical Chemistry, Radiochemistry, and Radioecology. The articles present recent experimental data, theoretical investigations, critical reviews, the results of computer modeling in the above-mentioned fields. Intended to provide a scientific “snapshot” of the institute, the book also includes content on its history, main scientific achievements and current goals, together with detailed descriptions of its 25 laboratories and three museums so as to promote new international collaborations. Given its scope, the book will be of interest to all scientists and graduate students working in the areas of geochemistry, analytical chemistry and radiochemistry, earth and environmental sciences, biogeosciences, meteoritics and planetary science, and to those seeking new collaboration opportunities in these areas in Russia.